When Trade Winds Become Head Winds

The Hon. Simon Birmingham,
Head of Asia Pacific Engagement & Chairman, South Australia at ANZ

With deep experience at the highest levels of government, Simon brings expertise in trade policy, government finance, international relations and regulated environments to his role as ANZ’s Head of Asia Pacific Engagement and Chairman, South Australia. Serving as an Australian Government minister for nearly a decade, Simon was a member of budget and national security cabinet committees and led the government in the Australian Senate. As Finance Minister, Simon oversaw budgets that framed Australia’s Covid recovery and decisions that delivered the AUKUS security partnership. While Trade Minister, Simon helped to negotiate numerous free trade agreements, including the world’s largest agreement encompassing 15 Asia Pacific economies. Simon also led Australia’s responses to numerous globally disruptive trade events. Simon was a Senator for 18 years, delivered nationally consistent needs-based schools funding as education minister and sustainability measures in the Murray Darling Basin when responsible for Australia’s water policy.